The Last Person

Baker Girls #5

by Bethany Monaco Smith

What do you do when you think you might be falling for your best friend and teammate? Move in with him and force yourself to face your feelings, of course.

From the moment I first met Brian Ackley in a sweat soaked football locker room, I was drawn to him. But over the last year, our friendship has grown and deepened into something more. I went from the party guy down to go out and hook up every night to wanting to stay in and spend my evenings on the couch with Brian. The problem is, I don’t know if I’m stuck in a rut, or if Brian is the man of my dreams—the only man I’ve ever wanted.

When we’re both forced to move out of our neighboring apartments, I take a risk and ask him to move into a penthouse—with me. There’s no better way to face my complicated feelings than to confront them head-on, right?

But once we’re living together, it quickly becomes clear, I’m not stuck in a rut, I’m stuck on him. More than stuck. I’m falling hard and fast for my quiet, introverted, plant daddy best friend. Now I just have to find the strength to admit my feelings to Brian, because I’m certain that fate didn’t bring us together to be teammates—it brought us together as soulmates.

The Last Person is a low angst, friends to lovers rom-com featuring an introverted, soft spoken plant daddy who loves to crochet, an upbeat, vibrant wide receiver who loves all things romance and drama, lots of pining and tension, a bi (or pan) awakening, a meddling friend group, plenty of sweet and spicy moments, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

This is book 5 of the Baker Girls series. Though characters crossover and stories loosely interconnect, all books can be read as complete standalones.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Queer, Sports Romance, M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2025

About the author

Bethany Monaco Smith is a writer-mom. When she’s not busy hanging with her boys, she’s writing cozy small town romances with lots of heart, a bit of steam, and all the feels. She loves happily-ever-afters and cries at every emotional moment, whether reading, writing, or watching. When she’s not mom-ing or writing, you can find her binge-reading on Kindle Unlimited, spending too much time on Instagram, and supporting fellow indie authors. Bethany survives on coffee, rewatching the same TV shows over and over, and her KU subscription. She lives in the Southern Tier of NY with her husband and two sons. You can find out more about Bethany and what she’s working on next on Instagram @bethanymonacosmith

Reviews

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 67%.

The beginning was adorable. And then all the tension was around non communication. They're both in love with each other and are too afraid to "ruin the friendship" so both of them try to have sex/date other people.

Finally, one of them says something and now the book is sex, sex, and more sex.

I want more. This would have worked better for me as a short story.

[Chelsea 🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This read like the writer wrote a book about a white m/f couple and changed the names, pronouns, and references to anatomy last minute. Kudos for writing more diverse m/m romance - especially diverse sports m/m romance, but I couldn't unsee that this was clearly written by a non-Black woman that wrote m/f romance exclusively beforehand.

Hardy is meant to be a Black male football player who'd never even thought he was queer before realizing his feelings for his friend. I find that a bit difficult to believe considering who was in his inner circle and also the immediate shift to saying he doesn't find tits or vaginas attractive. I'm not sure if that was an attempt to say it was more about feelings for him - especially when we're told he used to hook up pretty indiscriminately with women before. I don't know if that was wanting to guarantee he wasn't going to "go back" - as a bisexual, I found that just a bit odd.

It also took me completely out of the book when we're told his touchdown/score music was an obscure Taylor Swift song. He's into Bridgerton, Dawson's Creek, and obscure Taylor Swift songs. My community is not a monolith - however I didn't feel like this character was initially written as a "straight" Black pro football player at all. YMMV.

Brian was here. I... don't have much to say about him.

This book was quite bland and seemed to be lacking in a clear plot. The dancing around confessing to each other is over like 40% in and then I didn't know what the rest of the book was meant to be about. They confess to liking each other and then its bone city for like the rest of the book. The PR/HR issue is such a minuscule plot point that it's hard to say it ended with a fizzle because it never really began? It ends in an idealistic way but a lot of this wasn't super believable so, it is what it is.

I appreciated the trans rep. I appreciated Wendell as a character - for his small time in the book. The beginning where Brian and Hardy were both quietly pining was sort of cute but this book seriously could've been a 50 page novella and nothing would've really been lost here.

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Well this was freaking precious!

Brian and Hardy were so oblivious of each other’s feelings being more than friendly, and seeing them pine after each other secretly made me want to shake them. So glad they finally got their act together and got their perfect HEA!

If you’re looking for a super sweet and fluffy but hella steamy romance, this is for youuuuu!

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- professional football players
- best friends to lovers
- teammates + roommates
- opposites attract
- piningggg
- meddlesome friend group

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the MCs tension as they try to fight their mutual attraction and when it finally happens? Wow. It’s posted that it can be a standalone though I prob would’ve preferred reading the series first since the extra characters def have a past story that would’ve helped explain questions I had. Otherwise super sweet and great HEA/epilogue.🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Maxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

*mild spoilers ahead*

⭐⭐⭐,75
🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you’re in the mood for a cute, low-drama, sweet romance, "The Last Person" is a winner. From page one and throughout the story, there’s a really cozy vibe, with plenty of pining, lots of sweet moments, and just the right amount of spice.

I’m a ‘best friends to lovers’ enthusiast, so I’ll admit, the premise of these two besties/teammates, one an outgoing wide receiver and the other a chill, plant-loving introvert linebacker who crochets, is pretty charming. It’s refreshing to see such specific and realistic character details in a romance novel. Their dynamic, especially as they transition from teammates to roommates and maybe even something more, feels authentic and relatable, even if it gets a little cheesy at times.

I found myself enjoying how the story brings not only romance but also a bit of humor and drama, thanks to the nosy friend group. The bi awakening is adorable.

Also, the fact that the book features a biracial couple adds an extra layer of representation that’s always welcome in contemporary romance, and it gives the story a modern, inclusive touch without feeling forced.

While the book doesn’t break any major ground or take big risks, sometimes all you need is a well-written comfort read with sweet moments and the right amount of spice.

This is book five in a series, and even though it works smoothly as a standalone, there were times I felt like I was missing a few details by not having read the previous books. Nothing major, but if you want the full experience, I’d recommend catching up on the earlier stories before diving in.

Again, this isn’t a plot-driven, heavy-angst book. It’s a light read. I wouldn’t say it’s my absolute favorite romance ever, but I liked it enough to recommend it to anyone who appreciates soft, low-angst stories with believable characters and plenty of tension and longing. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to curl up with for a relaxing evening, and honestly, sometimes isn’t that just exactly what you want?

[Raylee Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very lucky to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book. This is the first book I have read from the author. And I quite enjoyed the work. It was a beautiful storyline. A queer love story that was focused more on the development and growth of the two characters as they walked the pathway of their journey together. I could not put the book down. And I read it in one day. Literally. I got so consumed into the book and could easily attach myself to the two main characters. I got frustrated with them in the beginning but got happy and teary eyed towards the end as their story progressed. Only thing I wish is that it had a little more obstacles for them to go around. To overcome and show just how strong their love for one another was. But other than that, beautifully written and I would highly recommend to anyone.

[Alexandra Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This book was beyond cute and was such a great read for me. I am always a sucker for a great friends to lovers romance and this book definitely delivered. Ryan and Brian were both in love with each other without knowing it and when they both realized it their relationship naturally went from friend to lovers in such a great transition. Their love for each other made this story is all greater to read and is certainly now towards the top of being my new favorite read this year.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The end of the Baker Girls series! 😭😭
I just love Bethany’s writing and I’m working my way through all of her work! This was my first MM romance and I’m here for it

Thinking awaited story of Brian and Hardy! Two best friends that play for the same pro football team. When they decide to be roommates they both swiftly realize their feelings for each other are more than friendship. This story navigates the. Egging of their relationship, coming out, and dealing with some fall out from football. Very well written!

🏈 MM romance | football romance | friends to lovers | forced proximity

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite MMC's of the year.

Ryan Hardison loves big and loud.

[Mayazings Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review

I’m not crying you’re crying.
When I say I couldn’t stop reading this book I mean I read this in about 5 hours.
I absolutely love. Bethany’s books and this series is so wonderful. I like how the characters / team / management handled the politics in book and it wasn’t all Daisy and roses but showed what’s possible when it comes to queer in male sports.
Thank you for this arc!
If you love; friends to lovers, sports romance, found family, forced proximity, sexual awaking and acceptance then this book is for you.

[Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review - thank you for the opportunity to read this book. A new to me author and I enjoyed the writing style.

A solid and enjoyable 3.5 stars

I was obviously missing some back story for a few characters but it wasn't a problem.

Some books are three course dinners - complex and time consuming. Others are the sweet treat you don't need but ate because you fancied it. It's nothing complex, you couldn't survive off it, but in the moment when you just need a treat, it's perfect. 

This book was short and sweet. No drama, no angst, very little football. It's just two best friends loving each other. Easy to read and fun. 

[Bethan Buckingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book, finishing it in one sitting which I was surprised about as I’ve been in a book slump for a good few weeks. Both the fast pace and the characters Ryan Hardison (Hardy) and Brian Ackley had me hooked from the start. Hardy is a loud ray of sunshine whereas Brian is a quiet introvert and the way they were complete opposites and still couldn’t help but fall completely in love with each other showed how much they needed each other.

If you’re in need of a fluffy palate cleanser this book is definitely for you, I would 100% recommend!

[Book Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review - Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

This was the first book by this author for me. There were a lot of characters from previous books in the series that got mentioned quite a bit. It wasn't detrimental to the story, but felt bulky with so many cameos of people I knew nothing about.

I thought the storyline was decent with a minor conflict at the usual part of the book. The romance went from zero to sixty immediately once the characters got together.

My biggest problem was that I had a problem trying to differentiate the two main characters. Their characters read too similar that I had a hard time knowing which was which. Honestly, now, I'm still not sure which is Hardy and which was Brian.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a cute fluffy lightheaded read. Brian and Ryan (hate that) were really sweet and down so bad for each other. I love their found family too and how supportive everyone is. Literally nothing happens tho, very anticlimactic. A cute palate cleanser tho

[Enya Miche · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a reason I’m obsessed with queer romances, and I’m so happy to add Ryan and Brian to that growing list of couples I can’t live without. This is my first time reading Bethany Monaco Smith, and if her MF romance series is as sweet, loving, and swoon-worthy as this MM romance, it won’t be my last.

It wasn’t love at first sight, but Brian has carried a torch for his best friend, Ryan Harding, far longer than is wise for a queer man to carry for a straight guy. He’s convinced himself there’s beauty in unrequited love and refuses to risk the friendship he treasures with his teammate and next-door neighbor. Then their building goes up for sale and Ryan suggests the one idea guaranteed to wreck Brian’s sanity: move in together. Distance was the only thing keeping him sane; sharing a roof with the man who fills every dream, every fantasy, every inch of his brain – impossible.

Meanwhile, Ryan can’t pinpoint when it happened, but somewhere along the way he fell for his best friend – or at least, that’s what it feels like. He’s always thought he was straight, yet he can’t shake the very real feelings growing for Brian. He wants answers, and when they need a new place, the perfect test presents itself: a penthouse, together. If he faces these feelings head-on, he’ll finally know whether it’s just a misguided closeness or if the man he’d do anything for is, in fact, his person.

If you’re craving an angst-free romance – with no third-act breakup and nonstop awws to the last page – you’re going to love The Last Person. The slow build as they navigate their feelings while protecting their friendship, the delicious distance and pining, the dual POV capturing every tiny shift – it’s so good. And when they finally cross the line, Bethany does not hold back. The tension, the unrequited longing, all that pent-up time – it bursts into one electrifying moment and incinerates the pages.

This is the only book I’ve read in the series, but it’s clear the earlier characters play meaningful roles in bringing these two together, which absolutely made me want to go back to the beginning with the Baker Girls. You can still enjoy this as a standalone – just know it will spoil the four prior books (all of which are MF romances).

I will say the love gets a little sappy at times – enough that I contemplated a drinking game for every use of the word “love” on the page – but that’s just the cynic in me talking, and we tend to ignore her.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan ‘Hardy’ Hardison and Brian Ackley’s story was just the perfect ending to the Baker Girls’ storyline. As you may have met the Baker girls, and met the guys via Mark, Frannie’s husband he’s the QB-1 for the New York Bandits. They are on the team, too. For several books now, everyone just about in the Baker Girls’ group was able to see their friendship for more than what they were willing to admit to themselves. For months both men had stopped going drinking with the team after the games or clubbing to meet women.

They were more into staying in and binge-watching old shows. Like Dawson’s Creek. Brian is the one who can’t handle peopling for prolonged periods of time. He’d rather be reading or writing poetry. When they get back from Kennedy and Devon’s wedding Hardy already knows Brian’s just about on overload. When it’s too much stimulation already after several days at the resort, and the two days traveling he is about due for some quiet. He’s about to grab the suitcase that Brian had carried up for her.

Before either of them could do that they noticed the envelope taped to their apartment doors, they were going to have to move because their landlord was going to jail, pissing Brian off he hates change. So combine that with the lack of downtime from their time away he is on edge. But he still asked Hardy to stay to watch TV and veg. They both were having a time of it because they were both feeling they might have feelings for the other. However, technically Brian knew he was Bi. Hardy never liked to say anything because it’s nobody’s business, however, he had always identified as being straight.

See how the two men maneuver the moving tide that’s called their lives. Especially, when they were so used to being the ones to help give wise love advice. And now, they are on the flip side having to hear the wise advice and decide whether to take it or not to find their happiness.

[Jewels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect cozy/sexy read. I found Bethany Smith through a FB group I’m in and decided to sign up for an ARC because her other books have great ratings and who can resist an MM book with football players!!!!

Those two football players, Brian and Hardy, are friends, neighbors and become roomates at some point. The two of them are the complete opposites, which I LOVE in romance books!! Brian is introverted and quite while Hardy is extremely extroverted! There friendship was fun to watch but their relationship is even better.

The book is not instalove, but there is not a long wait for feelings to be revealed. The relationship is so very sweet, and good spice and no second act breakup. YAY!

There is a great amount of humor in this story. Mostly between the two main characters, but also the side characters too. So I laughed a lot, but there were so many other emotions – all good ones, but I definitely did tear up a bit at some of the lovely parts.

One of the things I loved about this story was that one of the characters was a person of color. There aren’t a lot of MM books that feature POCs so it was great to see.

There is not a lot about football, it is mostly the careers of the two and all interactions are mostly to introduce characters. There are a ton of secondary characters that I didn’t know as I haven’t read the other books but I didn’t feel lost. So if you don’t like football you will still love this book. But for someone like me that does love football it was a really fun story to read!!

Notes:
First Person POV
Dual POVs
Low Angst
Bi or Pan Awakening
No second at breakup
No instalove

[Michelle Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! Bethany is a "new to me author" I signed up for the ARC because I am a freaking slut for friends to lovers - that it was a MM sports romance was just the chef's kiss for me! Our MMC's are pro football players Brian and Hardy - they are friends, neighbors and eventually roomies! Brian is a quiet, introverted, poetry writing out bi sexual, plant daddy and Hardy is the flashy, straight, sunshine, wide receiver - such great opposites attract pan awakening material! I really liked the low angst of their story - Bethany didn't make us wait too long into the story for them to finally profess their hidden feelings for each other. Football is more the back drop here - it does get some playing time, but it's mostly their interactions with their teammates, travel, training and a few parts of games and gaggle of friends. There are ALOT of secondary characters from the previous books that make appearances - not having read them it was a bit bulky at times for me - while it added to the found family feelings of the story, it didn't take away from the sweet and cozy nature of Brian and Hardy's love story. The guys don't go public with their relationship right away - we see some inner workings of their team from an ownership/management, watch their friends rally around them after a very public coming out and get to see them after the season. There is NO second act break up WHOOOOO!! Great read for anyone looking for a quick, low angst palate cleanser or to get out of a slump! Highly recommend!

[Brittany Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

​⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
​This book was, in a word, soo cute! I devoured this friends-to-lovers story and found myself completely charmed by the central couple. The author did a fantastic job of building that delicious tension where two people are head-over-heels for each other without having realized it (yet!).
​The friends to lovers trope was perfectly executed, and I especially loved the supportive role their friend group played in nudging them toward that next big step. Who doesn't love a good set of side characters cheering the main couple on?
​Meet the Perfect Pair
​Hardy is an absolute sweetheart! He's loud, vibrant, and knows exactly what he wants, finding an endearing way to go after it. He loves completely and showed his best friend, Brian, the depth of his soul in a truly touching way.
​Then there's Brian, the quiet, down-to-earth man who adores his plants and, secretly, his best friend. Brian showed up for Hardy in all the ways that truly matter, and the passion with which he loves is enough to set hearts on fire.
​Together, these two were just beautiful. Their chemistry leaped off the page, making this a truly heartwarming and satisfying romance. If you're looking for a low-angst, high-chemistry, deeply loving story, pick this one up!

[Pam Leffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first taste of Bethany Monaco Smith and A Baker Girls Romance series, BUT it won’t be my last.

After reading ‘The Last Person’, I’m addicted to Bethany’s writing style. It sucks you in and holds you captive - in a very good way! I obsess with character development and tend to prefer series so that I can continue following my favorites, so I’m backing up and starting with Book 1.

Then I’ll dive into all the other series! When you find a good author that you fall head over heels for, well, you OBVIOUSLY obsess over ALL their books until you’ve read them all. DUH.

The building love story in ‘The Last Person’ was so beautiful that it made me giddy. I literally talked about these boys in the car with my husband and older daughter like I KNEW them! The spiciness was on fire and kept me GLUED to finding out what was next. I absolutely stayed up past my bedtime a couple nights - because that’s all it took for me to DEVOUR this book. It was spicy and erotic, heartwarming and intimate all wrapped up into one juicy read. And at the ending, there may have been happy tears.

So well done! So impressed. Bethany is my new book bestie!

[Eimear · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this book so much! It’s the first book I’ve read by Bethany Monaco Smith but I’m sure it won’t be the last!

Let’s start with the characters. I loved Ryan and Brian! They complemented each other so well with Brian being introverted and calm while Hardy is extroverted and chaotic! I’m not normally a huge fan of friends to lovers but these two were just so adorably unaware of their feelings for one another, I couldn’t help but love them!

The tension between them was written beautifully and it really had me on tenterhooks waiting for them to finally crack and tell each other how they felt. The way it happened was just perfect and really fit the characters!

In terms of side characters, the Baker Girls group seem like such fun! I’m going to have to go back and read them now! I’d love to get a story with Christy too! She seems like she’d be a hoot!!

Another thing I loved was the writing style. It was paced perfectly and the book as a whole read very well! She balanced the wit and angst beautifully with one never really overpowering the other.

All in all, a very solid 4⭐️

Thanks to Bethany Monaco Smith for providing me with an advanced copy of the book.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lasf Person ( Baker Girls Book 5 ) Have you ever picked up a series that just sucked you right in , in ways you never would have expected ? That had you falling in love with each and every character / couple from the very first book and where you found yourself completely immersed in the world the author has created ? That had the ability to make you feel so many different emotions you never saw coming? Everything from smiling and laughing out loud , to crying like a baby to actually being speechless at times and screaming outta pure frustration during others . That had you cheering so freaking hard from start to finish, Well Bethany Monaco Smiths Baker Girls Series is without a doubt that series for me . I’ve absolutely adored each and every book , but something about Brian and Hardy together really grabbed onto my heart so completely and just resonated with me . Besides all the chemistry and the witty banter , I just loved watching fall for each other , watching them work through their feelings for one another . Seeing how their friendship as best friends ended up turning into so much more . It was such a beautiful and emotional love story
a few seconds a

[Chia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two best friends, teammates on the field, have shared everything — laughter, locker-room wins, casual nights out. But when one realizes their feelings have grown past friendship, they propose the boldest move yet: move in together and face the truth. As they adjust to shared space, shared routines, and shared tension, they must figure out whether this risk is worth the reward — and whether what they feel is just comfort or something deeper, something real.

Bethany Monaco Smith creates an emotionally honest narrative with characters who feel lived-in and genuine. Hardy and Brian's friends-to-lovers arc is handled with warmth and vulnerability, and the “forced proximity” of moving in together gives the story both humor and tension. They were lovely and cared for one another so much...

The Last Person is a cozy, heartfelt romance that nails the intimacy of transitioning from friendship to love. If you enjoy stories where the leads know each other too well — yet discover that “too well” isn’t enough — this one hits that sweet spot. A very satisfying read for fans of mellow but emotionally grounded romance.

Thanks for the ARC! Loved it sooo much ♥

[Albaaz_02 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libro sobre Brian y Hardy. Ambos son mejores amigos, ambos son jugadores de fútbol americano, ambos se quieren, pero no saben que ambos tienen sentimientos amorosos por el otro. Cuando el dueño del edificio donde viven es encarcelado, se ven obligados a buscar una casa y coincidentemente acaban teniendo que vivir juntos. Brady es el callado, introvertido con poca energía social, ama la naturaleza, sus plantitas, leer y escribir poesía. Hardy es lo contrario, extrovertido, no se calla nada; excepto que está sintiendo cositas por su mejor amigo por miedo a destrozar la amistad. Así que qué pasa? Que sus amigos acaban moviendo fichas para que por fin alguno se confiese. Cuando Hardy ve que Brian va a ir a una cita a ciegas, no puede soportarlo y por fin se confiesa. Y a partir de ahí todo es 🤭. Obvio tienen un poco de problemas con uno de sus jefes imbeciles que les amenaza con echarles del equipo, pero ganan la Super Bowl y echan al tonto nabo.

No es mal libro, muy cortito, ligero, pero por eso mismo no siento que haya dado para mucho. Creo que también el hecho de haberme leído el último de la saga no ayuda a conectar con el resto de personajes, pero weno. Un sólido 3.

[Malinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dearest Gentle Reader,

I understand this can be read as a standalone, but I genuinely felt I was missing far too much starting on the 5th book of this series to fully enjoy it as intended. Hardy being a secret author, for example, felt so silly and randomly thrown in. Perhaps this is addressed in previous books? Unfortunately I wasn’t compelled enough to want to go back and read the other books. For as short as this book is, it took ages for me to read. I just wasn’t invested in the characters like I expected to be.

It was unclear to me if Brian and Hardy are in college or professionals throughout most of the book. They act rather juvenile. When it became clear they are indeed pro football players, I expected higher stakes with making their relationship public. I like a little more grit to my MM romances, but I digress.

This is what I would consider a “short and sweet” read. Ultra fluffy, spicy, no stakes, and a HEA. If that’s what you enjoy in your Sports MM, you’re in for a treat.

Your Esteemed Reviewer

[Morgan Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Your heart is home with me, and I promise I’ll keep it safe.”

✨ARC Review, releasing October 16th✨

Book 5 of the Baker Girls series but can be read as a standalone (I did now I need the rest💀)

Brian & Hardy are just the sweetest🥹
Can your bestie & teammate be more than that? These two sure thought so but took em awhile to get there🤦🏻‍♀️
Their friend dynamic had me cracking up i loved every second of this cute fluffy romance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Worth it. Save a horse, ride a football player. Fifteen out of ten. Highly recommend.”

🪴MM Romance
🏈Football Romance
🪴Best Friends To Lovers
🏈No Third Act Breakup
🪴Plant Daddy
🏈 Forced Proximity

“I was always meant to be yours, and I’m convinced every moment of our friendship has been building to this. Brick by brick, we laid an unshakable foundation. That’s why this love has been so easy to fall into. It’s not like jumping off a ledge and free falling. It’s finally coming home to where we were always supposed to be. I love you.”

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to get this wonderful book as an ARC from Weaver Way and I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read it in advance!

I was so excited to read The Last Person because it had all my favorite tropes: best friend to lovers, low to no angst, forced proximity and emotionally mature characters. This would be a great palate cleanser if you had just read a dark or high angst book. All the characters are lovely! They are already emotionally mature and allies (except for one, but he is a low ranking character and seldom mentioned). I just adored this best friends to lovers story and how much Hardy and Brian already cared for each other prior to becoming romantically involved. It did not have much football chat, which I was good with because I am not a football fan. I have not read the other books in the series, but the author gave enough background info to where you could follow along. Highly recommend as you're next read!

[Mitch Mallhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the fluffiest sweetest romance. I have read this year. I mean, I may have melted completely into a puddle while reading this. Oh my God the amount of pining here was incredible. I found the characters to be extremely lovable, especially with Ryan’s total, golden retriever, energy, this fun, loving firecracker of a person with a big old heart of gold Who loves so big and bright it can blind you, and with Brian, his quiet and calm demeanor, he loves quietly and Deep, but the depth of what he feels for Ryan is truly beautiful. You can tell he’s an old soul with the heart of a poet. I found myself wanting to find a love like this as well. This is a book. I know I’ll turn back to when I’m feeling down and lonely in the future. It is light and heartfelt. With little to no angst if you want a book that will make you believe in love again definitely give this a shot well done to the author.

[Ruby Dalegendaryreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Because if you’re going to date someone, date me.”

Brian has been in love with his best friend and teammate, Hardy. When they decided to live together, lines blurred and hidden feelings surfaced.

I think I would've appreciated this book more if I read or follow this series but I went into this because of the MM romance, and it was just so wholesome.

Both characters have feelings for one another and they already built a solid-rock foundation in their friendship. While Brian is sure he's in love with Hardy, Hardy's having some kind of sexual awakening.

I did love the queer representation we have here, and how that flows towards their friendship, relationship and work.

Now, there's so much sweetness in this book, and I love to see those slice of life moments in our day-to-day reflected in the book.

I love both characters and the prominent found family trope in their friends.

I don't think I'll be reading the rest of the series but I did love this book.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. It’s a queer, friends-to-lovers romance that really leans into character growth and emotional connection rather than constant drama.

Ryan and Brian are both secretly in love with each other and have no clue… until they finally do. Once the shift happens, their relationship slides into romance so naturally that you just feel how right they are together. I was frustrated with them in the beginning (in the best way...you just want to shake them) and then full-on soft and teary by the end.

If I could change anything, I maybe would’ve liked a few more obstacles just to really test them, but honestly, it was still beautiful without it.

If you enjoy:
• friends to lovers
• sports romance
• found family
• forced proximity
• queer awakening + acceptance

…then this one is absolutely worth picking up. Sweet, engaging, and really well written. Highly recommend.